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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
Proud King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and set the huge idol in the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He called many important people to come and help him dedicate the image.
When all had gathered before the image, the herald announced the royal decree. "It is commanded, O people, when you hear the music, you shall fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up, and whoever does not fall down to worship shall in the same hour be cast into a burning fiery furnace."
The musicians began to play. When the people heard the music, they fell down in fear to worship the image.
Soon it was discovered that certain Jews, whom the king had set in charge over the affairs of the province of Babylon, did not bow down and regard the king's wishes.
The king ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego to explain their actions. "Is it true that you do neither serve my gods nor worship the golden image I have set up?" the king questioned with indignant anger. "Now be ready when you hear the music to bow down and worship the image I have made. However, if you do not, you shall be cast the same hour into a burning fiery furnace. Who do you think will save you from certain death?"
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego courageously replied, "Our God is able to deliver us from the burning furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand. If not, be it known to you, we will neither serve thy gods nor worship the golden image."
Full of fury, Nebuchadnezzar commanded the furnace heated seven times hotter than before. He called his mightiest men to bind and cast the three men into the furnace. Because the king's command was so urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flames killed the men who threw the men into the furnace.
Astonished, the king suddenly rose up and said, "Did we not cast three bound men into the fire?"
"Yes, king," was the answer.
"Then why do I see four men loose, walking in the midst and they are not hurt? The fourth is like the Son of God."
Nebuchadnezzar came closer to the furnace to speak to the men. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, servants of the most high God, come out!"
As the three men came out of the fire, the people could all see that no harm had become them. The hair was not even singed, their coats were not scorched, nor did they smell of fire.
Nebuchadnezzar humbly said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, Who hath sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. He had changed the king's word and yielded their bodies that they might not serve or worship any god, except their own God."
He then made a new decree. "No one should speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. No other God can deliver us."
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were awarded a higher office in the province of Babylon.
